Blood Stem Cell Transplant Works For Lupus Patient

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Blood Stem Cell Transplant Works For Lupus Patient

For patients with severe autoimmune diseases, blood stem cell

transplantation may be a promising therapy option.

This process involves an infusion of healthy blood cells to replace the

body's own malfunctioning ones and restore immune function.

A recent case study published in the June issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism,

has shown this approach to be particularly effective in treating patients

with the most severe form of Systematic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

A chronic rheumatic disease, SLE affects joints, muscles, kidneys, lungs and

other parts of the body by autoimmune attack. In the case of an 18-year-old

female patient, a short, intensive course of blood stem cell transplant

produced complete remission of the disease.

Diagnosed with SLE at age 14, the patient had suffered bouts of pneumonia,

requiring ventilation and resulting in serious lung impairment.

Failing to respond to conventional drug therapy, she also continually

battled infections, weight loss and anemia.

In February 2000, the young woman began the blood stem cell transplant

therapy as part of a study at the University of Vienna. She repeatedly

received infusions of high dose immunosuppressive agents followed by stem

cells purified on the basis of a protein on the surface of cells called

CD34.

Within 9 days of receiving her transplant, the patient's blood cells began

to regenerate -- completely free of disease.

Fifteen months after completing her blood stem cell transplant regimen, the

patient had maintained overall excellent health -- without taking any

medication. She showed no signs of SLE-related problems. Her lung, kidney

and ovarian functions were all normal. In addition, she had fully intact

function on a standard measure of a person's ability to perform routine

activities.

There have been numerous studies indicating the potential of blood stem cell

transplants for patients with blood diseases and certain types of cancer.

To date, researchers have studied only a small number of patients undergoing

this therapy for autoimmune diseases. Consequently, the case of this young

SLE patient is significant because it confirms blood stem cell

transplantation as a potentially effective course of action for restoring

healthy immune function.

Researchers at the University of Vienna are currently conducting clinical

trials to explore wider use of this therapy, as well as ways to apply it in

the early stages of disease to prevent organ damage

(Reference: " Autologous Blood Stem Cell Transplantation in Refractory

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Severe Pulmonary Impairment, " M. Brunner,

H.T. Greinix, K. Redlich, P. Knobl, J. Smolen, C. Leitner, K. Derfler, W.

Graninger, P. Kalhs, and K. MacLold, Arthritis & Rheumatism; June 2002, Vol.

46:6.)

Arthritis & Rheumatism is an official journal of the American College of

Rheumatology and covers all aspects of inflammatory disease. The journal is

published by Wiley & Sons and is available online via Wiley

InterScience.

06-Jun-2002

http://unisci.com/stories/20022/0606025.htm